wewow.co.uk - Experts in CD/DVD Duplication, Replication and Eco-friendly Media Packaging

What are ISRC codes and why should you use them?

 

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code and is best understood as a digital ‘fingerprint’ which identifies your sound or music video recording.  ISRC codes can be embedded into digital and physical releases and allow you to sell your music on iTunes and Amazon, submit your tracks to the Gracenote Database and they also help prevent piracy and ensure that you automatically receive royalties.

ISRC codes are unique numbers which are embedded into music files during the mastering process.  Your finished master can then be sent for CD duplication or replication and the ISRC codes will be included on all your pressed CDs.  The ISRC codes will identify your music and track copying and distribution.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recommends that all music producers use ISRC.

ISRC codes for sound recordings in the UK can be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and registration is free.  If you need any guidance on ISRC codes, Gracenote Registration or anything else related to producing your own music releases then wewow’s customer service team will be happy to help.

What is the difference between PAL and NTSC

 

What are we talking about?

When mastering a DVD and ordering DVD replication it is important to recognize which area of the world your DVDs will be played in so that your master is produced in the correct format.

PAL – Phase Alternating Line

‘PAL’ refers to the television broadcasting standard which is used by most of Europe, amongst other countries.

NTSC – National Television Standards Committee

‘NTSC’ is used for broadcasting in United States, Canada, Japan and some parts of Central and South America.

 

Converting PAL to NTSC

If you plan on distributing your DVD to America then your master DVD will need to be converted to NTSC format prior to replication or duplication.  This will ensure that your DVD works on DVD players in America.  You should also be aware that most computer based DVD players will play both PAL and NTSC DVD’s so although your DVD may work on a computer it won’t necessarily run on a DVD player if it is not in the correct format.

 

DVD replication and duplication supplier’s, such as wewow, can convert your DVD to NTSC or PAL ready for the replication/duplication of your DVDs.

What do you need before starting a CD or DVD duplication project?

So you’re ready for place your CD or DVD duplication order.  Here’s a quick check-list to help you prepare all the parts that your CD and DVD duplication supplier will need in order to start producing your order.

• Master disc
  Check your master CD/DVD thoroughly and make sure it is set up exactly how you want your duplicated CDs to be.  Your CD/DVD duplicator will make exact copies of the master disc so you must make sure that it runs smoothly and works on all the relevant media players.
  
  
• Artwork
  Thorough guidance on how to set your CD, DVD and packaging artwork up can be found on our website and in previous blog posts but here are a few pointers:
  
  Request artwork templates from your supplier and any other guidelines they may have – every supplier has slightly different specifications so its important to use your current suppliers templates to avoid having to amend your artwork at a later stage.
  
  Check your CD/DVD artwork thoroughly before sending it to print, including checking for spelling mistakes.
  
  It’s always a good idea to print out your artwork and make a quick mock-up of any packaging and paper parts you are ordering, to ensure that the design is laid out as you want it.
  
  
• Payment
  Ask your CD/DVD duplication company what their payment terms are and ensure that you’re happy with these terms before going ahead.
  If you are a brand new customer then they may ask for 50% payment before production starts and most suppliers ask for full payment prior to dispatch so be sure to agree this with your duplication company before placing an order.

Having submitted your CD/DVD master disc, artwork and payment to your supplier you can expect to receive digital proofs and confirmation of an expected delivery date.  Then sit back and wait for your finished discs to arrive! :-)

How to use backing-tracks on your CD or DVD presentation

As a CD/DVD Replicator our customers often ask us about issues surrounding video production and mastering.  This month, wewow has partnered up with one of the leading authorities on the subject of using backing tracks, Ameritz, to provide you with some helpful tips and guidance.  Here are their top tips for first time users;

• The first thing that many people can be confused by is the difference between Backing Tracks and Karaoke Tracks.
  Backing Tracks are professional recreations that can be used by amateur and professional singers alike for gigs and performances, Backing Tracks also come in either .mp3 (MPEG Layer 3) or MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) formats.
  Karaoke often comes in CD+G (Compact Disc + Graphics) format which has on screen lyrics that can be used on Karaoke machines.
  
  
• When selecting your backing tracks, if previews of the tracks are available always listen to them so that you have a rough idea of how the track will sound when you receive it.
  
  
• Backing tracks are often made with either MIDI Instruments, Live Instruments or a mixture of both. While MIDI instruments are improving all the time older MIDI tracks can sound dated, tracks with as many live instruments in often give the best sound through the gigging PA’s used by singers.

Further information, as well as thousands of professional backing tracks, can be found at www.ameritz.co.uk

And of course, once you have selected the perfect backing track to complete your CD or DVD, wewow  will be on hand to replicate or duplicate your master disc and to complete the project with bespoke, eco-friendly packaging.

Video Production for DVD

Thanks to the help of wewow’s wonderful customers, we have complied a few top tips related to video production and mastering for CDs and DVDs…

  

  

 

"When mastering DVDs if you find your image is stuttering on shots where there is some vertical movement, try reversing the field order. This happens because a fair few editing programs are made in America, specifically Adobe Premiere, and they naturally default to NTSC format when setting up / capturing projects and can cause issues when encoding."

  

Courtesy of www.threesfilms.com

Mitch Adams

 

  

 

 

"It goes without saying that you should be as organised as possible during all Production, and the same goes for the final mastering of your projects; most notably DVDs. Assets should be kept in a place that's easily accessible to all staff, so when a client asks for a new batch of DVDs or CDs, we can quickly answer their call. We've had experience of resuming DVD projects from over 3 years ago, where we have needed to go back to the original assets to create a new glass master, as well as reprinting original artwork. Keeping this material on backup storage, as well as other media like (Data) DVDs means you never have to look too far. Plus it means projects can be put to bed quicker, saving our time and thus keeping the client happy!"

  

Courtesy of www.spectrecom.co.uk

Ben Franklin

 

 

  

  

"Make sure you understand exactly what your quote covers prior to production.  Many companies will not include expenses such as travel, and even meals for the crew in the proposed budget and will charge you by the hour for any amendments you’d like to be made to the completed video. Pluto Media include all costs in their initial proposal and promise that customer’s will not be charged for amendments, unless the customer dramatically changes the brief."

  

Courtesy of www.plutomedia.co.uk

Jon King

 

Before embarking on a video production, make sure you aim for a high production value as the priority.  No one is interested in a poorly produced video, so if you do not have the time and budget set aside to achieve an excellent result, then best to wait until you do.  The main thing is to get the message across professionally - remember that the video will represent your company or organisation, so make it good!

 

Courtesy of  www.rayafilms.com

James Smith | Director

 

For further information on CD/DVD replication or duplication please contact wewow on sales@wewow.co.uk or visit www.wewow.co.uk